Radiology (X-ray)Radiographic abnormalities grow early in the course of the disease. X-rays of the heart and lungs would be the best tools available to assess the severity of the disease and to develop a prognosis. Normal changes observed are enlargement of these constructions: pulmonary arteries at the lobes (particularly the lower lobes) of the lung, main pulmonary artery, and right side of the heart. Blunting and thickening, usually along with tortuosity (abnormal turns or twists ), of pulmonary blood vessels, is often noted. Inflammation can be found in the lung tissue, especially the tissue that encircles the pulmonary arteries.Angiography and UltrasonographyThese forms of imaging are seldom used in the diagnosis of canine heartworm infection outside of referral clinics and teaching institutions. Angiography is a technique which allows visualization of blood vessels within your system by taking radiographs within minutes after injecting a contrast material (dye) into these blood v ... Читать дальше »